Bournemouth 'exploring the possibility' of appointing Marcelo Bielsa as manager

Bournemouth are considering a move for Marcelo Bielsa as their hunt for a new permanent manager continues.

The Cherries sacked Scott Parker in August, with Gary O'Neill in interim charge. Despite a strong start, they've slipped to 17th in the Premier League. O'Neill isn't expected to be offered the job permanently.

Per The Athletic, Bournemouth's owners have been in Las Vegas over the past week with potential new owner Bill Foley. It's said conversations over a coach were held, with Bielsa a top candidate.

Foley's takeover of Bournemouth is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Bielsa has been out of work since being sacked by Leeds United in February. The 67-year-old helped Leeds to promotion in 2020, their first return to the Premier League in 16 years.

In his first season in English football, Bielsa earned plaudits after helping Leeds to a ninth-place finish. His brand of football helped Leeds claim the scalps of Tottenham Hotspur and eventual champions Manchester City.

However, the second season saw his paper-thin squad start to crumble under the intense physical demands of his training.

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Leeds' hierarchy decided to act with the club in 16th place and two points above the drop zone.

They replaced Bielsa with Jesse Marsch, who guided Leeds to safety with a last-day victory over Brentford.

Bielsa's previous jobs include Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, and Lille in addition to the Argentina and Chile international teams.

It's unknown if he'd want to return to England given his connection to Leeds fans.

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Bournemouth were promoted back to the Premier League last season after a two-year absence from the English top-flight.

Following a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, they decided to part ways with Parker, who had vented his frustrations at a lack of spending in the summer transfer window.

Since then, O'Neill has managed to register three wins and four draws. They return to action on Saturday afternoon at home to Everton.